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Blind/vision impaired Digital Technology & Online Media news

Microsoft has used its advertising slot at the American football championship (known as the Super Bowl) to shed light on how technology enhances the lives of people with disability.

Using the case study of retired football star Steve Gleason, the 60 second ad details how eye tracking software on a Microsoft Surface tablet can be used to by people with severely limited mobility to communicate.

Gleason was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2011, and has since lost the mobility of his limbs and the ability to speak. Gleason communicates by focusing his eyes on a tablet computer with software that detects where he is looking. With this, Gleason is able to speak, write and even tweet.

The AbleGamers Charity, an international authority on video and computer game accessibility, has announced its awards for games and gaming devices released in 2013. The annual awards recognise games, consoles and controllers that were designed to include gamers with disability.

The awards named Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn the most accessible mainstream game of the year. The game allows gamers with physical and sensory disabilities to play online in a fully-accessible format. Producer of the game, Square Enix, confirmed that player feedback and continual updates are important parts of ensuring that the game is accessible.

In an effort to provide the most relevant information on the most accessible website we can, Media Access Australia is seeking feedback from readers about our website.

The simple 5 minute survey is an opportunity to tell us what you are interested in and what you would like to see more of on our site. Importantly, you can also let us know how you find the website’s accessibility.

“Our readership is incredibly diverse in terms of people’s interests and needs as users. Every day we talk to people who might be using a piece of assistive technology that radically changes how they experience the site. Gaining insight into that is vital for us being the best we can be,” said Online Editor Eliza Cussen.

Australia’s media regulator, the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA), is seeking members of the public to apply to sit on its Consumer Consultative Forum. People from diverse backgrounds, including those with disability, are encouraged to apply.

The Forum is intended to help inform the ACMA of consumers’ interests relating to telecommunications and the internet.

The announcement from the ACMA states: “We’re looking for a diverse field of representatives to help raise a wide range of consumer issues.” People representing the following consumers are particularly encouraged to express their interest: